Chrysler Conundrum > solution(s)?

[2b2]

with all the recent speculation
& since ideal lineups are one of my favorite hobbies
(tho I don't intend to make this one a "MISSION" ;))
here's a brief WhatIF

"Cerberus-Sumitomo" buys Saab and the Hummer-name-only, along with the remaining percent of GMAC financing &
buys Ford's share of Mazda (more if they can get it) & VOLVO TOO!
then assembles the following lineup:

Mazda = tiny(Mz1) > medium(euroMz6) vehicles with best-ZoomForTheBuck
Chrysler = moves upscale ASAP/as far as possible
__just new 300's/S80-C90, better-than-concept Imperial/S100, new peoplemover/V&XC 90-100,
__plus a 9-3-based sportlux coupe(-cabrio) (later maybe more)
__(Chrysler-Mazda name in U.S., Volvo/Saab("Scandia"?)-Mazda=ROTW)
Dodge = trucks & a couple larger vehicles engineered by Mazda (ex: U.S.Mz6 & CX9)
Jeep = jeeps ie fewer 'true-er' models; Hummer is top-trim/pkgs
and adds a
GoldenAge premium/mid-level range using names like DeSoto,Hudson,(Nash?), ...
- re-inventing the PTcruiser & Prowler & more,
- with half 50's/half spaceage styling (get Chip Foose on the Board of Directors!)
...this would be a shock&awe production of concept/dreamcar style at just-attainable prices
...(like imho the Challenger intended ...and missed)
Perhaps all these affordable halo cars could share one single, stunning set of interior components? ...so along with their different top-hats on shared platforms, they'd be highly profitable without requiring high volume...


anyone else want to post an alternate? ...or top my CrazyIdea™?

[Mbukukanyau]

I like this plan.

[MERCURYSABLE08]

I like this plan.

I do to. Sounds good to me.

[falcon lover]

Ford must keep Mazda and both companies must share more capital and must integrated more... The synergy betwin Mazda and Ford is good for both companies.
Volvo is a different tale, Ford need to sell this source of financial losses.

Cerberus will not invest more money in Auto industry. Chrysler was a very big mistake for them, and i think they will sell or close it soon.

[2b2]

Thanks for the comments, everyone!

this proposal was sort of from a (former-)Mopar-fan viewpoint...
even tho it essentially ThrewAway most Mopar cars (tho not the factories/trucks/Jeeps nor Dealers)
it saves the Names for future 're-incarnation'
&
from a Mazda+Volvo(+recently Saab)-fan viewpoint,
in that it creates the first(afaik) EJA Consortium (Europe-Japan-U.S.) like what Carlos Ghosn has been trying(very trying) to put together.
(the existing OneFord EJA is sooo dominated by the big blue oval that I can't call it a consortium)

from the FordMERCURYLincoln-fan viewpoint
I definitely want to keep Mazda
cuz I hope 'my brand' gets to be the spearhead in greater collaboration ;)

[MERCURYSABLE08]

Thanks for the comments, everyone!

from the FordMERCURYLincoln-fan viewpoint
I definitely want to keep Mazda
cuz I hope 'my brand' gets to be the spearhead in greater collaboration ;)

You're quite welcome 2b2. :)

And I feel exactly the same way you do.

[2b2]

related news? / selectively quoted:

Reuters - Cerberus wants stake in any merged Chrysler-source

Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:31pm EDT
PHILADELPHIA, Oct 13 (Reuters)

Cerberus Capital Management, which owns 80 percent of Chrysler, has no plans to divest its stake in Chrysler and aims to own an interest in any combined company that may merge with the U.S. automaker, a source familiar with Cerberus' thinking said on Monday.

Cerberus... ...never discussed divesting its entire Chrysler stake or swapping Chrysler in exchange for an increased stake in auto-lending business GMAC, the source said.

"Cerberus is not dumping Chrysler or simply swapping it for an increased share in GMAC. That deal was not discussed and they have no interest in it," said the source, who declined to be identified.

"In any business combination with... ...anyone else Cerberus would look to come out on the other side owning a meaningful stake in the combined auto company," the source said. (Reporting by Jessica Hall, editing by Richard Chang) (For more M&A news and our DealZone blog, go to HERE)